Bovouob of 2>erb\>. 



FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT 



OF THE 



FREE LIBRARY & MUSEUM COMMITTEE, 



For the Year ending September 29th, 1886. 



' I "HE Free Library and Museum Committee, in presenting their Annual 

 Report, congratulate the Council on the steady increase in the popu- 

 larity of the Institution. 



After the recent large additions of new books, less has naturally been 

 done in that direction during the past year, and your Committee's attention 

 has been assiduously devoted to keeping the books already in the Library 

 in a fit condition for use. The number of books bound and repaired has 

 been abnormally large, amounting to a little over four thousand. 



A very gratifying feature is the increased use made of the books in the 

 Reference Library. The Library of Patents is also very largely consulted. 



The number of visitors to the Institution was carefully counted in the 

 first week of the month of April, and reached the large figure of 13214 for 

 the week, an abundant proof of the usefulness of the Institution. If counted 

 in the winter months the number would be considerably greater. 



The attention of the Committee was specially drawn last winter to the 

 great consumption of gas, as well as to the defective lighting of some parts of 

 the Institution. A Sub-Committee was appointed to take the matter in hand, 

 and on their recommendation one of Stott's Gas Governors was put up in 

 February last, certain alterations were made in the lighting of the Library 

 and basement, and the lighting of the reading rooms was entirely remodelled. 

 The use of the governor has effected a great saving, and the whole of the 

 building is now better lighted at less expense. The thanks of the Committee 

 are due to the sub-committee of gentlemen who have so effectively dealt with 

 this matter. 



